WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives has unanimously approved an amendment strengthening laws governing furloughs.

The amendment to the 2014 National Defense Appropriations Act would strengthen laws governing working capital funds and employees associated with that fund, a press release from Rep. Rob Bishop’s office said.

Part of the Ogden Air Logistics Center operates under a working capital fund, it said.

Working capital funds are revolving funds that operate on a break-even basis by charging the military for services rendered. Revenue from the sale of goods and services to customers, in this case the U.S. military, cover all costs involved in providing those goods and services.

The amendment, which still needs Senate approval, would prevent funds from being used to implement the furlough of defense department employees who are paid from the working capital fund account.

Furloughs of other federal employees could still be implemented if determined such actions are necessary, such as work load reductions associated with original budget cuts or changes connected to U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the press release said.

“Furloughing these employees not only violates the law, but it’s costing the (defense department) and taxpayers additional money by delaying production and increasing overhead,” Bishop said.

“I recognize the (defense department) faces significant challenge in finding ways to absorb these cuts given its budget has been drastically reduced three times in the past five years,” he said. “However, furloughing these employees will not yield direct savings and may actually end up costing money.”